Mobile shuttle fills the broadband gap taking ICT training to rural East Anglia
29/06/2007
Mobile shuttle fills the broadband gap taking ICT training to rural East Anglia
As a mobile training unit and internet café with satellite broadband and its own power supply, there are no limits to the reach of Advice for Life’s Shuttle.
Setting up
Advice for Life, previously known as the Cambridge Independent Advice Centre (CIAC), purchased and fitted out the shuttle for £35,000, including a Land Rover to tow it.
Capacitybuilders/ChangeUp part-funded the project and will contribute to marketing and management overheads.
Reaching out to remote areas
Many parts of rural East Anglia are still without broadband access, putting people and communities at disadvantage in an increasingly internet-reliant age. Satellite technology enables the Shuttle to bring high-speed internet connectivity to the remotest doorsteps, enabling more people and organisations to access the net and benefit from onboard training.
Accessible to all
At 30’ long and 8’ wide, the Shuttle accommodates up to eight laptop-equipped workstations. With a ramp and two wheelchair positions, it is fully accessible.
Regional spread
The Shuttle, and its onboard crew, will travel to schools, youth clubs, community centres, regional events and conferences to help with ICT training, support and advice.
Affordable ICT support available
“We’re making affordable ICT facilities available to organisations in the remotest locations,” says Paul Jefford, Advice for Life’s Circuit Rider Manager with day-to-day responsibility for the Shuttle’s operation. “ We’ve already had interest from a housing association running training for residents of sheltered accommodation, a charity working with traveller children and an online arts project.”
Engaging with young people
The Shuttle, which launches officially in July, has particular appeal to young people because of its rocket-like design and state-of-the-art facilities.
Louise Taylor from Arts Development East Cambridgeshire (ADeC) is looking at how the Shuttle can be used to support their projects: “The Shuttle is ideally placed to engage young people in media/online creative activity, especially in rural locations where this facility is reduced,” she says.
Building on the succes of Circuit Rider project
Demand for a mobile unit emerged from the experience of the Cambridgeshire Circuit Rider Project, another Advice for Life initiative. Circuit Riders offer ICT training, support and consultancy at affordable rates to third sector organisations, helping them to gain more from their technology investments.
Social Enterprise status
Like the Circuit Rider project, the Shuttle will operate as a social enterprise which means that any profits are reinvested for the benefit of the people and communities served.
Bringing the shuttle back to life
The Shuttle is now in its second lease of life. It was previously owned by Cosmic in Devon and now that only the remotest locations on Dartmoor are without broadband, it has completed its work there.
